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Pinnacle high school has great academic reviews but the front office staff is probably least friendly bunch of people that I've come into contact with. If you're looking for a school that will make your family feel welcome, this is certainly not the school.

- submitted by a
parent

September 25, 2014

I was a student at Pinnacle for 4 years, and I absolutely loved it. The teachers are super enthusiastic about helping, they legitimately want to give you the best grade and education. I didn't realize how much my teachers had helped me at Pinnacle until I had gone to college (at ASU) where I used a ton of the resources that I had from high school in my college classes. I also highly suggest taking AP classes, getting involved in clubs and also sports, to get the best experience.

- submitted by a
student

December 22, 2013

This school is absolutely terrible as a student for four years I can say ive only had one teacher that cared about my grade and helped me. I was an athlete and I played football my freshmen year but i was mainly a soccer player and the football program was good but soccer is hands down the worst program to exist. Coach could care less about the program and it's utterly horrific, development of the team doesn't seem to matter and favorites were chosen. I was an honors student and thought the honors classes were a joke. Pinnacle high school is phony and I wish I never took part in the school. Students consist of snobby rich kids that harrass other students. Drugs are of a huge problem at the school and of my time being at pinnacle I was made fun of for not doing drugs and peer pressured into doing it (although I never did it).

- submitted by a
community member

June 09, 2013

I am father of Paulo Henrique Fleury Biassio Mir who just graduated last May, I live in Brazil and would like to know what is the average cost of living of a senior in a HS as Pinnacle and if you will follow up Paulo career at the University (in this case ASU) Best regards, Paulo Mir

- submitted by a
parent

June 07, 2013

I absolutely loved attending Pinnacle. I continue to keep in touch with my teachers from all 4 years because they are still willing to help me, even in college. I am going into my junior year and always look forward to coming back to catch up. I was part of the AP program and participated in athletics on campus, as well as several of the clubs. When I attended the school the administration team was on a first name basis with many of the students, including myself, and provided a tremendous amount of support to anyone who asked. It is easy to get lost in a school the size of Pinnacle, but there is a place for everyone if they take the time to find it.

- submitted by a
student

May 08, 2013

As a fellow student who's going to be graduating this year, I have had a poor time with them for three years so far. The students are absolutely immature, the teachers don't care about students or parents and value their image over failing kids. Their rules are hypocritical. They claim bullying isn't allowed, but do nothing about it. They ban the word retard, but they allow racial slurs. I am not even going to bother showing up for my graduation after enduring humiliation, lies, and apathy from this school. They don't even DESERVE the high rating in my eyes. I recommend that one should go to a better school.

- submitted by a
community member

April 24, 2013

This school does not deserve a high rating. I had 2 kids that went there; one graduated and the other is graduating from a charter school that cared alot more about their students. Overworked teachers who don't care (except for a few) and don't communicate with parents; and an administration who cares more about their image than their students. Drugs are a HUGE problem there and the administration has a habit of kicking out kids that they even perceive have any type of issue so that they can keep up their rating. Sports teams are very political also. My daughter would have been short of credits to graduate if the administration in the charter school she transferred to would not have caught it in time.

- submitted by a
parent

February 15, 2013

middle of the road kids fall in the gaps all over this country that is a fact. Until we change the education system in this country this will continue to happen. All students should be held to the same high standards and I dont believe classes should be segregated the way they are. As far as the comment that the 'failing' teacher is still at the school-that is another one of America's problems. They probably cant get rid of the bad teacher because of the teacher's union..I would youtube John Stossel's special Education in America or watch Waiting for Superman. The problems mentioned here are due to our current screwed up education system.

- submitted by a
parent

February 07, 2013

I 100% agree with the 8/6/12 parent review. Following a full semester and my freshman entering high school, I am having the exact same experiences. I was told by a school administrator that 64% of the freshman taking Physics this year 2012/2013 are failing the class. HELLO!!! Is anyone taking note of this??? I was also told my student's Math teacher is being fired at the end of the school year because the teacher is failing as a teacher, yet this teacher remains at the school for the 2nd semester and has a class load of students failing due to the lack of teaching. Not only was I told this by the administration but my teen and all the students know about this so why would this teacher put any effort or desire for that matter into teaching our kids knowing they are a goner at the end of the year? So to answer the question posed, the new principal is not making any difference. Still high teacher turn over and no one there cares about the middle of the road students who need teachers to teach and administrators who care when you reach out for assistance. This school does not deserve a high rating and is failing in my grade book on every level!

- submitted by a
parent

September 06, 2012

My daughter graduated in 2005, she had all AP and honors classes and loved her teachers, the Principal and everything about Pinnacle.

- submitted by a
parent

August 06, 2012

For a school that is said to be one of the best in Arizona I would completely disagree. If you have a middle of the road kid average they will just fall through the gaps. Even with constant involvement form both parents this school falls way below average. They have huge teacher turnover and teach the kids like they are just on a assembly line. There is no over site from administration, counselors. The sports are so political that if you don't have money to "donate" forget your kid ever playing. They bring in the top players from all over the state so if you live in district there is little chance of ever playing unless you are really really good. Over all I find this school pathetic. Maybe just maybe with the new principle this school year he will snap at least the teachers in line.

- submitted by a
parent

May 20, 2012

Both my children graduated from Pinnacle High School. Their experience was great. The teachers were invested in the children and would spend any extra time requested from them to make sure they understood all material covered. Both my children graduated with over a 4.0 (weighted scale for AP classes), and received scholarship money for college. Both of them still keep in touch with teachers they had at Pinnacle because of the great impact they had on them. My son as a pre-med student now still values the strong educational foundation that he received from his AP chemistry and AP physics teachers, as it gave him an advantage in his college classes. Pinnacle High School is phenomenal and deserves the high ratings it has received.

- submitted by a
parent

May 07, 2011

Pinnacle is one of the best high schools in Arizona. Being in the Education industry and having a nephew that graduated from PHS I feel I have good information to make that statement. Parents forget some of the responsibility for their Child's performance is on them. It is not all on the teachers. Don't blame schools if your child struggles. Many of the issues kids have in school start at home not the other way around. If pinnacle kids have money to get drugs the question needs to be why does my child use drugs. My nephew didn't even though all schools have them around.

- submitted by a
community member

September 09, 2010

I opened enrolled my daughter here mainly for the highly touted academic program. I am pleased with the cirriculum but this is where I end being satisfied. I feel the school is seriously over-crowded with the result of having a very high student teacher ratio in every class she has. (about 35:1) The traffic for dropping off and picking up students is ridiculous and poorly handled. The school grounds are in need of fresh paint and maintenance and the main electronic sign does not even work. I can see why Arizona schools are next to last in per student spending.

- submitted by a
parent

August 16, 2010

My daughter attended 9th grade here last year. It was the worst year of her academic life. In Middle School she was a student leader, member of the National Junior Honor Society... model student. At Pinnacle, she had such poor teachers (with the exception of the Spanish teacher and Honors Physics teacher) that I was absolutely amazed. Math was the pits... despite me meeting with the teacher. She became disengaged and was extremely unhappy the entire year. Needless to say, she is not there this year.

- submitted by a
parent

August 09, 2010

My son had the choice of attending the newest private Catholic high school in N. Scottsdale (where his sibling started out) or PHS. After getting the opinions of others who attended BOTH schools, he chose Pinnacle and is he glad he did! PHS has a superior Counseling Dept. They make out 4-yr.plans for EACH student prior to their beginning and are always available for face-to-face meetings (not so at the private school--far from it, in fact). My son has qualified for Honors and AP classses, plays on 2 PHS sports teams, and likes almost everybody at PHS. They do not have the deep rooted substance problems on campus like the school we were zoned for or the private school my son was considering. I know all schools have that issue, but at PHS it is comparatively minor. Being rated in the top 100 public schools nationally for academics doesn't hurt either!

- submitted by a
parent

July 03, 2010

My child has been introduced into Drugs since starting that this school. We are working on help, but with the money that these kids have, it's a hard battle.

- submitted by a
parent

April 14, 2010

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- submitted by a
parent

no ratingOctober 05, 2009

It is an excelling school with a lot of support from administration and outside parties. Pinnacle tries to involve the community in anything they do. Pinnacle strives for excellence.

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingOctober 05, 2009

Great staff and great kids.

- submitted by a
parent

October 04, 2009

I love Pinnacle High School because of the amazing staff. All the teachers are willing to go the extra mile for their students. Pinnacle also provides a community for the students. An example of this is the mentoring program where a senior is paired with a freshman in order to help with the transition from the middle school into High school. The special ed department is also wonderful in providing services for learning disabled children.

- submitted by a
teacher

no ratingOctober 03, 2009

We have a great community of students, staff, faculty and parents who are committed to high academic standards as well as a full range of extra-curricular activities. Our community is also dedicated to serving the greater community and those in need. It's a great school!

- submitted by a
teacher

no ratingOctober 03, 2009

Pinnacle has great teachers and is rated #1 public school in Arizona. Athletics are awesome too.

Pinnacle High is overrated in my opinion. I find most of the staff and administration under Principal Reynolds to be heartless as opposed to caring about the students. Unlike under former Principals, I find that Reynolds cares more about numbers and ratings more than meeting individual student needs.

- submitted by a
parent

April 17, 2009

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- submitted by a
student

August 12, 2008

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- submitted by a
parent

May 27, 2008

I have twins that just graduated from pinnacle and now ave a jr and a freshman as well. It is a fantastic school that cares about not only the academics but sports, and all other extracurricular activities. Alot of school spirit as well.

- submitted by a
parent

May 26, 2008

I'm going to be a Sophmore at Pinnacle and i love it their! Everything is so much fun like the football games & basketball games.. you have to sit in the crazy section! This may sound strange but the food they serve is really good! Go Pioneeeeeeeeeers!

- submitted by a
student

May 17, 2008

I will graduate from Pinnacle high school in about a week and I have to say my experience there has been incredible. I have been to three different high schools and this one has to be the best. I definately recommend Pinnacle High School

- submitted by a
student

May 16, 2008

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- submitted by a
student

May 14, 2008

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- submitted by a
parent

April 20, 2008

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- submitted by a
parent

February 09, 2008

As a student of Pinnacle High, I'm a freshman. But since I've been here, I loved it! The athletics are great, although football didn't make it to state. Our basketball teams didn't go as far either, but soccer is amazing, as well as swim and dive, and golf. If you're involved in Student Government, the students are all full of school spirit, as well as the Crazies club. Our rivals, the Horizon Huskies have very often vandalized our school before big games, which makes the security not so good on weekends. The campus is overall great, except for the areas with lots of gum all over the pavement, and the main quad grass could use a little help. Overall, Pinnacle has tremendous academics, teachers, faculty, athletics, ethnics, ect. The student body consist of many races, caucasion seems to be the main, but there's a mixture of everything.

- submitted by a
student

December 01, 2007

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- submitted by a
parent

October 27, 2007

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- submitted by a
community member

October 17, 2007

School is amazing. Teachers really know how to do their jobs and the students are brilliant.

- submitted by a
parent

October 09, 2007

It's a great school to go to. The teachers are always willing to help in any way possible, and most of the teachers make class and fun,safe enviroment to learn in. I have a horrible time staying on task, and turning things in, and it's nice to know that there are teachers there to remind you of those things and help you stay focused, and only for your benifit. These teachers and staff treat us as if we are young adults and give us respect. They also give us encouragement to reach our goals and help us do that by teaching us to 'Make It Count'. This school is the best school I have attended, and I hope that all kids feel the same way I do when I wake up in the morning and walk through those school gates.

- submitted by a
student

October 07, 2007

Pinnacle High School is full of a large group of over-privileged students who believe that rules do not apply to them. As a former student I witnessed fights, vandalism to expensive school property, a complete lack of respect for the teachers, and a blatant disregard for any type of authority figure. Recently the 2007 Senior shirt depicted the school mascot dressed as a 'gangster' complete with bandanna and a gold tooth. And the yearbook will include a page honoring best dressed, bookworm, and the student who has collected the most speeding tickets. This coming from a school where at least two students have been paralyzed in traffic accidents. Pinnacle has the potential and the funding to be a great school, but for now it's not even close.

- submitted by a
former student

September 26, 2007

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- submitted by a
student

September 18, 2007

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- submitted by a
parent

August 11, 2007

I recently graduated from Pinnacle High School and I must say that I had an amazing four years there. The teachers and staff really are all dedicated to providing a better learning environment and experience for their students. Because of my teachers' encouragement and the skills I learned in their classes, I have better study habits and I use my time more effectively and efficiently. Plus, all the programs, dances, and evetns held there were so fun! I highly recommend Pinnacle High School to any and all incoming High School student, or any parent.

- submitted by a
student

August 05, 2007

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- submitted by a
parent

July 31, 2007

Spectacular fine arts programs the choirs in particular are amazing. Very safe and beautiful campus. Wonderful educators who have an obvious passion for teaching - they go above and beyond. Many AP and Honor opportunities. School keeps parents up to date on college information, SAT/ACT information, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.

- submitted by a
student

June 25, 2007

This school is wonderful.My oldest son has graduated and has been very successful in life.My daughter now goes to Pinnacle and she loves this school from the curriculum to the after school activities.This school is wonderful!

- submitted by a
parent

June 01, 2007

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- submitted by a
parent

May 24, 2007

I've had two children attend pinnacle high school and it is by far the greatest high school in Arizona. Numerous Advance placement classes are offered and extra curriculum activities are wonderful. The teachers are pleasant and their guidance is unmatched by any of the other schools. It is the ideal school for gifted children and those who want to challenge themselves. This school is a heaven for opportunities so parents take advantage of what this school has to offer and enroll your children. You will be glad you did. It is a guarantee.

- submitted by a
parent

October 24, 2006

I have been a Pinnacle parent since the first day they opened and have two children who have graduated and are currently in college and two children still attending Pinnacle. Not only is the leadership of Mr. Jason Reynolds excellent, the support staff is very efficient and helpful whenever I have a need. The extra-curricular activities are great - the coaches realize that academics come first. Have had experience with many different groups including: football, swim & dive, girls soccer, band, chorus, track & field. The teachers work hard in helping the student succeed. The campus is beautiful and well maintained. The parent organization is active and supportive of the staff but especially the students providing a wonderful opportunity for a safe graduation night experience each year. Thanks Pinnacle for taking such good care of my kids!

- submitted by a
parent

April 25, 2006

Excellent AP and Honors classes.

- submitted by a
parent

no ratingApril 19, 2006

Pinnacle High is a beautiful campus and full of promise. Unfortunately, thats where it ends. The curriculum is sub-par and the educators are indifferent. I highly recommend caution if your child is to attend this school.

- submitted by a
parent

February 19, 2006

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- submitted by a
student

February 02, 2006

I know several of the teachers really well. Though some of them may seem to have other priorities, they are skilled teachers. Don't judge a book by its cover, the ones I've encountered know how to get the best out of the kids.

- submitted by a
parent

January 26, 2006

Mediocre at best. Some good teachers. Not many. Good creative departments.

- submitted by a
former student

January 17, 2006

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- submitted by a
parent

December 15, 2005

Great academics, extremely good sports teams and very very high parental involvement

- submitted by a
student

September 26, 2005

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- submitted by a
former student

September 14, 2005

This school is one of the best, if not the best high school in Arizona!

- submitted by a
teacher

August 16, 2005

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teacher

August 02, 2005

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parent

July 22, 2005

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parent

July 21, 2005

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June 22, 2005

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parent

June 03, 2005

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June 02, 2005

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May 20, 2005

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parent

April 12, 2005

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April 11, 2005

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parent

April 07, 2005

This school has been a generally positive experience for our child who moved in during her Sophomore year. The teachers, staff and students went out of their way to make her feel welcome. There have been several opportunities to participate in sports and clubs that were more accessible than her old school. Acedemically, there seem to be a majority of teachers that are commited to helping kids move into post high school education well prepared to succeed. The facilities are excellent and new.

- submitted by a
parent

April 03, 2005

My daughter is now a Senior at Pinnacle High School. She has had a wonderful high school experience. By taking advantage of honors classes, she has been academically challenged and prepared for college. One huge weakness at the school is the counceling dept.; definitely not easily accessible for one on one meetings.

- submitted by a
parent

April 01, 2005

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- submitted by a
teacher

March 21, 2005

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parent

December 03, 2004

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- submitted by a
parent

October 21, 2004

Im not a parent but I am a student and I think the school is great and the teachers and studens there are fun.

- submitted by a
student

October 16, 2004

This school's teachers are excellent. They provide a great education and are very experienced. My daughter loves the school. She loves the many lunch activities and music on Fridays. There are many clubs for her to get involved in. The only thing I would like is for the principal to be more involved.

- submitted by a
parent

May 28, 2004

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parent

May 10, 2004

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- submitted by a
student

May 03, 2004

I think that Pinnacle's academic criteria is excellent but, there should be a larger sense of friendship and tradition to carry a better 'High School Experience'. I think that the children are too cliquey and not open to new students; Even if that student does show up at the beggining of the year. The buildings are set up nicely therefore, it is easy to get around campus. This school was very pleasant.

- submitted by a
former student

April 16, 2004

I really enjoy this school

- submitted by a
student

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